Ronald Koeman Critiques VAR Decisions and Discusses Heitinga’s Dismissal

Ajax striker Wout Weghorst’s goal on Sunday should have stood, according to national team coach Ronald Koeman. He believes that the VAR should not have intervened in the decision regarding the goal against FC Utrecht.

Weghorst thought he had given Ajax the lead, but referee Danny Makkelie disallowed the goal based on VAR advice. “I do not believe that the standard of officiating is declining, but I do think the VAR has an influence,” Koeman stated during a press conference on Monday. “A handball is penalized one time and not the next; I think that is where the dissatisfaction lies. There has been significant discussion surrounding Ajax’s disallowed goal, which I find troubling.”

Koeman also commented on the recent dismissal of John Heitinga as Ajax’s coach. “Am I surprised by what is happening at Ajax? Not really; this does not surprise me at all,” he noted. “It is very painful because I know Johnny Heitinga well, and this is something you do not wish upon anyone, as it is significant for his development as a coach. They could have made this easier for him.”